Earth provides us with food, our main source of energy. In nature cure we make full use of the element earth in the form of mud or clay packs or poultices or even mud baths for preventing and treating various diseases, by bringing out poisons from the body, for cooling the nervous system and for activating various organs of the body.

In diabetes there is disturbance of the metabolic processes of the entire body. When the digestive system and endocrine glands do not work fully, the result is accumulation of impurities and toxemia in the body. Improving elimination and removal of the toxins becomes important.

European hydropathic or nature cure enthusiasts are enamoured of mud bath treatment for such a condition. There are different ways of taking mud treatment. One way is to use moist clay when obtainable, rather than ordinary mud. The clay should be of such a consistency that it can be plastered on the body. Sometimes, it is to be held about the body by loose cloth wrapping. The clay, in winter, should be sufficiently warm to ensure comfort.

Another method of taking the bath is to allow the person to lie in a special tub, covered upto the chin in mud as thick as soft pulp. The mud should be analysed to contain alkaline elements. These elements stimulate the skin and the circulation in and under the skin. In such a case skin cannot absorb minerals in the mud but the good effects are due to skin stimulation.

Another material used for poultice or mud bath is received from volcanic regions. It is sold commercialy in dry form. It is heated and moistened before use till it is of a thick pasty consistency.

This paste is thickly applied to the abdomen and liver and those parts of the body which need treatment. The patient is then wrapped in towels or sheets and remain in his mud envelop for about 30 to 90 minutes. The mud is then washed off with a shower and the skin rapidly dried.

In the absence of this commercial mud, ordinary white clay can be applied. Some of the finely sifted clay is made into a plaster with the addition of boiling water. It is then evenly spread about half an inch (1.25 cm) thick directly to the skin.

As an alternative, mud bath can be had with the earth taken from a place which has been exposed to direct sunlight and open air and which has been getting good water and where no artificial fertilisers have been used . From such a place take earth from a depth of 50-60 cms (1.5 to 2 ft.) Mix some sand and water with such earth. Within about 18 hours that mud will become alive and fit for diabetics. Be careful that the earth is free from contamination and infection.

The effect of mud poultice is beneficial. Its cool moisture in and under the poultice relaxes the pores of the skin, draws the blood onto the surface, relieves inner congestion and promotes heat radiation and elimination of the morbid matter. Mud poultice retains moisture and coolness much longer than a water pack or compress.

The effect of mud poultice is beneficial. Its cool moisture in and under the poultice relaxes the pores of the skin, draws the blood onto the surface, relieves inner congestion and promotes heat radiation and elimination of the morbid matter. Mud poultice retains moisture and coolness mush longer than a water pack or compress.

Dr. Henry Lindlaher suggest that "the best way to apply clay packs is the following: Take yellow, or still better, blue potter’s clay, mascerate in warm water until it is reduced to smooth paste, cold spreads this with a wooden paddle or broad knife over a strip of cloth wide enough and long enough to cover the part to be treated.’ In case of diabetes, we should place this on the abdomen with few wrappings of toweling, flannel or other protecting material. The clay packs or bandages may remain in place until they become hot or dry.